Electrochemical Light-Emitting Gel Made by Using an Ionic Liquid as the Electrolyte

A light emitting electrochemical gel that operates on low voltage is introduced. The gel is composed of a ruthenium complex, an ionic liquid, and fumed silica nanoparticles and does not contain any organic solvents. The electrogenerated chemiluminescence was observed in the gel when an alternating current was passed through it. The luminance and current density did not depend on the electrode distance. A transparent display in which the light-emitting gel layer was set between two indium tin oxide electrodes was constructed. Moreover, light emissions from the gel in a self-standing form and in a printed fabric form were demonstrated. It is expected that in the future, the light-emitting gel will be used in flexible displays, three-dimensional displays, and other lighting applications.